NYGASP ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS Winter 2021

2.    If you could play any G&S character who would it be and why?

I’ve understudied Jack Point under Stephen O’Brien and Stephen Quint. It would be great to play the role that I have been studying with NYGASP for over a decade.

3.    Favorite G&S show?

Overall, The Mikado. It’s like West Side Story in the way that every song is fantastic. Mikado has power and pathos while being funny. 

Patience has a great libretto. The rhythm and timing of the humor and the way the scenes are structured give the feeling of a modern sitcom. 

Musically, The Yeomen of the Guard. Sullivan’s use of brass throughout is powerful, as is Dame Carruthers’ song (“When Our Gallant Norman Foes”). Other favorite moments include simply starting the show with a peek inside the heart of a young girl, the way Sullivan ends “When a Wooer Goes a Wooing”, the beauty of “Strange Adventure”, the power of the Act 1 finale, and the trio of women in the end of Act 2.

Another moment I love is the foreshadowing and use of “I Have a Song to Sing, O!”. A similar technique was later used in Carousel when Julie tries to sing and breaks down, her aunt takes over. Jack tries to sing, and Elsie takes over, she sings to explain and comfort him. The drama of that moment is unparalleled in the canon. There are so many stunning musical moments throughout that show.

4.     Tell us a bit about your training and performing background.

I graduated from the Manhattan School of Music and studied voice and Italian at two different summer programs in Italy. I also attended MSM’s Music Theatre intensive summer school taught by some amazing Broadway directors and producers including Hal Prince. 

Right out of college I worked in Music Theatre and then studied dance (tap, jazz, ballet, modern, theatre) and was an intern at Broadway Dance Center for a while. 

Using all of that training and experience, I’ve continued to perform and branched out to producing and directing. 

5.    How have the arts been helping you cope with the pandemic and related world issues?  (Or, why are artists essential?)

Music and film has been an escape, allowing me to dive into other worlds.

The arts have given me an opportunity to place all of my focus on non world issues. I’ve been asked to create a few virtual performance events, to teach theatre virtually, and to do some musical readings of new works. My time has been spent becoming more technologically savvy and figuring out how to adapt my skills to the screen. That focus has allowed me to put blinders on when I need and to escape those people who are on my “Little List”.

6.    What’s the first thing you’d like to do once quarantine is over and we are past the COVID-19 crisis?

The Mikado! And to give everyone in the NYGASP family a heartfelt hug.

Cameron Smith

1.    How long have you been involved with NYGASP and what’s your favorite role/experience thus far? 

I started with NYGASP in 2009 as The Defendant in Trial By Jury. It remains one of my favorite shows in my repertoire - a witty, fun, topsy-turvy whirlwind. Plus, I get to be the “bad guy" - a rare treat for a lyric tenor! My favorite role in a full-length show is Ralph Rackstraw. Great music, and it fits my voice like a glove. Some dancing and dramatic moments - probably the most ridiculous denouement in the whole canon, but at that point we've had so much fun, nobody cares!

2.    If you could play any G&S character who would it be and why? 

That's a tough one! Katisha. Imagine showing up unexpectedly in the first act finale just to throw a tremendous wrench into the works? Or as Gilbert put it, "rain blight on their festivities." She's over-the-top, a big, dramatic mess, but earnest, and so much fun!

3.    Favorite G&S show? 

My favorite show would probably be The Mikado. Tremendously witty and full of dark humor, as well as terrific music. I remember the first time I had my mind blown by “I Am So Proud" - probably my favorite number in all of G&S. When playing Nanki-Poo, I'd never miss an opportunity to listen from the wings.

4.    Tell us a bit about your training and performing background.

I grew up loving music, but never sang until halfway through high school, when I decided to try out for the school play and ended up surprising everyone including myself by landing the role of Curly in Oklahoma. I went to SUNY Purchase to study music and eventually got my masters from Manhattan School of Music. I went on to sing for Tanglewood, Lake George, and Caramoor before setting sail on my G&S career.

5.    How have the arts been helping you cope with the pandemic and related world issues?  (Or, why are artists essential?) 

The arts have been helping people get through tough times throughout history. As Toni Morrison said of dark times, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal." For performing artists, however, this virus has been brutal, as we are hamstrung and unable to do what we do best. I just hope that when this is over, society can acknowledge the vital role the arts play in our lives. 

6.    What’s the first thing you’d like to do once quarantine is over and we are past the COVID-19 crisis? 

When a vaccine is found, and the virus is finally conquered, I'm looking forward to live performance, to get-togethers, to tours and travel, to events. I'll never take a hug or a handshake for granted ever again.